Few musicians are better associated with Bristol than Massive Attack. The trip-hop collective might’ve found global fame in the 90s, but they’ve never lost touch with their roots. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen them perform in the city, however, five years. But they’ve got something extra special up their sleeve for their grand return.
Massive Attack will put on a huge gig at the Downs next summer. Their first UK show in five years – their first Bristol performance since they played the Steel Yard at Filton Airfield in 2019 – will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024. It’s also aiming to have the lowest carbon footprint of any concert this size. People living in Bristol and nearby counties will get priority ticket sales too!
The group’s commitment to the environment should come as no shock. On their last tour, Massive Attack travelled by train between all their European concerts. But this new event, called Act 1.5, takes things to new extremes. With production, catering and lighting entirely powered by renewable energy.
Organisers said: “The single largest contributor to an outdoor event’s carbon footprint comes from audience travel. In order to combat this, whilst ensuring those who live closest to the event don’t miss out on tickets, residents from Bristol and surrounding areas will be given priority access to purchase tickets for this show via an early pre-sale.”
This means that anyone living in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset will be able to register for pre-sale tickets from 10:00am tomorrow (December 6). Gig-goers will also be encouraged to use public transport, while a free electric shuttle bus will travel between the Downs, the city centre and Temple Meads.
Other initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of the gig include using only electric vehicles, hosting meat-free food vendors, and creating a new woodland in the South West after the show. Pre-sale tickets will be available for local people from Wednesday, while general tickets go on sale on Friday, December 8. To get your tickets head here.